Last updated August 2026
Having a stroke means you are at greater risk of complications which could make you more unwell if you have Covid-19. But you can help to stay safe by following advice such as getting vaccinated, regular handwashing, and good ventilation.
Having some other health conditions can affect your risk of becoming very unwell with Covid-19. Speak to your GP or clinician for advice about what you should do.
If you have a condition that reduces your immunity, check with a health professional for individual advice. You can also read current Government guidance for adults who are immuno-suppressed.
You can find general advice about coronavirus on these links below:
Help with Covid symptoms
For advice on what to do if you have Covid symptoms, visit the NHS online information pages.
You do not have to contact NHS 111 if you have Covid symptoms. But you should use the NHS 111 online service if:
- You are worried about your symptoms or feel you cannot cope with them at home.
- Your condition gets worse.
- Your symptoms do not get better or you have a persistent high temperature.
Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you can't use the online service.
Stroke symptoms and Covid-19
If you or someone you know has stroke symptoms, call 999. Even if you have Covid-19, you will be taken to hospital and given emergency treatment. You can read more about the FAST test for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke).
Attending medical appointments
Medical appointments are sometimes online or over the phone. If you have an in-person appointment, the healthcare provider may send you information about any Covid guidelines before your appointment. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider to check if you need to postpone your appointment.
Stroke risk
Can Covid-19 increase my risk of a stroke?
Research funded by the Stroke Association and published in 2022 showed there is an increased risk of stroke after having Covid-19. The risk was seen to be highest in the first few weeks after having Covid-19, but the study found it stayed slightly heightened for about a year after infection. The researchers studied medical records of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in England and Wales in 2020. You can read an article about this research.
Further research published in 2024 found that people who had Covid-19 in 2020, before a Covid-19 vaccine was available in the UK, had double the risk of stroke or heart attack for up to three years afterwards, compared with people who didn’t have Covid. Those with severe cases of Covid-19 had nearly four times the risk. This continued increase in risk was also greater in people with non-O blood types.
It is unknown whether people who had severe Covid-19 more recently continue to have a higher risk of stroke over time.
Covid-19 vaccines
Can vaccines for Covid-19 cause a stroke?
The vaccine produced by AstraZeneca was linked to a small number of cases of a rare condition that causes severe blood clots in the brain in 2021. This vaccine is no longer in use. The vaccines currently used in the UK have all met strict safety standards.
We sometimes get calls from people who had their stroke soon after the vaccine and are worried that the vaccine was the cause. It's not always possible to identify the exact cause of a stroke. Things like high blood pressure, heart conditions and high cholesterol can raise your risk, and stroke is much more common in older people.
Doctors try to find your risk factors, but some strokes don't have an obvious cause. A stroke can happen at any time of the day or night. It can happen while you are sleeping, at work, at home or outdoors. Because millions of people across the UK have had the vaccine, it makes it more likely that some will have their strokes in the days or weeks after a vaccination.
You can get individual advice about vaccines and stroke from your stroke team or GP. The NHS website has more information on vaccine safety and the Covid vaccines used by the NHS.
If you have had a stroke or blood clot soon after a vaccine and you think it was a side effect of the vaccine, you can report to the Yellow Card Scheme, which monitors side effects of all the drugs in the UK.
What are the benefits of being vaccinated?
Research has shown people infected with Covid-19, before vaccinations were available, had an increased risk of stroke afterwards. Having a vaccination can reduce your risk of getting infected, which can help you to avoid a post-Covid stroke.
Further research published in July 2024 found fewer cases of stroke in adults who were vaccinated compared to those who weren’t.
Being vaccinated can also reduce your risk of getting severe Covid symptoms and being hospitalised with them.
Should I have the vaccine if I've recently had a stroke?
Soon after a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke), you have a higher risk of having another stroke. On top of that, research shows that having Covid-19 also increases your risk of a stroke.
By getting a vaccination, you can reduce your risk of having a post-Covid stroke. Ask your GP or pharmacist for individual advice if you have any questions about your health or treatment.
Can I get the Covid booster and flu vaccines at the same time?
Yes, it's fine to get the Covid booster and your flu vaccine at the same time.
These come as two separate vaccines and you might not get them both in the same arm. So, if you've got one-sided weakness or an atrophied muscle in one of your arms, you should speak to your GP about where to have your vaccines. They might suggest having them at different times, or having one of them in your leg, which some people prefer.
Are the vaccines and booster safe for stroke survivors who are taking medication, such as blood thinners and statins?
Yes, you can normally have a Covid jab while you are on medication.
If you are on blood-thinning medication, you can ask your GP or consultant if you have a risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection point. Most people can still have the jab if their condition is stable. You should let the clinician vaccinating you know if you are on blood-thinners.
For any questions about medications and the vaccine, talk to your GP or pharmacist. You can also check with the clinician giving you the vaccine.
Who can get the latest Covid vaccine booster in autumn 2026?
For autumn 2026, you should be contacted by the NHS and offered a spring booster dose of Covid vaccine if you:
- Are aged 75 and over (including if you will be 75 by 31 January 2027).
- Are in a care home for older adults.
- Are aged six months and over and have a condition that weakens your immune system.
You can book an appointment now. Vaccinations will take place from 1 October 2026 until 31 January 2027.
If you’re not offered an appointment by your local NHS and believe you may be eligible, you can check your eligibility on the NHS website or by calling 119 if you live in England. In Scotland, visit NHS Inform or call 0800 030 8013. You can also contact your GP surgery.